USC’s Quinton Powell and teammates celebrate after the team scored a safety against Washington in the final minute of the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Seattle. USC won 26-13. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Facing pressure from USC’s front seven, the sophomore quarterback retreated into the end zone, seeking to buy time from a frantic pass rush late in the fourth quarter.

But Browning tripped. A safety resulted.

It was Washington’s final play, and it was fitting.

In a 26-13 upset of the Huskies on Saturday night, USC was sparked by a young defense that saw a sort of signature performance, as it caued plenty of duress in the backfield.

Through the first 10 weeks, Washington averaged 48 points per game. The Trojans held them to one touchdown in large part due to their ability to pressure Browning, who was sacked three times.

USC coach Clay Helton said Sunday that defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast had “dialed up some very unique pressures.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Browning was pressured on 53 percent of his dropbacks.

“That’s what you have to do with a great quarterback like Jake,” Helton said. “You have to be able to get him off his spot and disrupt his timing. That’s of critical importance if you want to be effective.”

Sophomore linebacker Porter Gustin twice brought down Browning and had four hurries.

Helton said the defense generated a push even when it didn’t blitz.

“Even on four-man rush,” Helton said, “it really felt like they were containing Jake in the pocket and getting to him.”

He also singled out senior Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, who assumed his starting spot at nose tackle despite missing most of practice during the week because of a knee sprain.

Late kickoff

It will be a late start for USC’s annual rivalry game against UCLA on Saturday: a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at the Rose Bowl.

Fox, which among the TV networks had the first pick of five possible Pac-12 matchups for Nov. 19, passed on it in favor of airing Colorado’s home contest against Washington State. The Buffaloes remain atop the South division standings, while Washington State leads the North with an undefeated record in conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

ESPN then took the USC-UCLA game. The late-night broadcast was its only listed option.

The time slot raises security questions.

The last 7:30 p.m. kickoff at the Rose Bowl in 2010 included a drunken brawl pre-game in the parking lot that sent two men to the hospital with stab wounds. Three men were arrested. The fight involved more than 40 people, the Associated Press reported at the time.

Six of the last eight rivalry games have now been night games with kickoffs 5 p.m. or later. Three of those have been at 7 p.m. or later.

Davis recovering

Helton said senior running back Justin Davis is close to 100 percent after he returned from missing three straight games with a high ankle sprain.

Davis, who spelled Ronald Jones against the Huskies, ran for four yards on five carries and appeared limited.

“Any time you’re coming off a major ankle sprain like he had, there a trust factor you gotta get accustomed to,” Helton said.

He credited with Davis for his ability to help out in pass protection, but could not cut “violently like he normally does.”

Quick hits

USC returned to the Associated Press top-25 for the first time since the preseason after winning at Washington. The Trojans were ranked No. 15. They also landed at No. 19 in the coaches’ poll… Junior defensive tackle Josh Fatu suffered a sprained ankle against Washington that forced him to leave the game. Helton said there were no other serious injuries. … USC opened as a 10.5-point favorite over UCLA. … San Clemente High quarterback Jack Sears committed to USC after de-committing from Duke. Sears, who was Sam Darnold’s successor, will enroll early in January, according to his coach, Jaime Ortiz.

Joey Kaufman is the USC beat writer for the Southern California News Group. Since joining the Orange County Register in 2015, he has also covered Major League Baseball and UCLA athletics. His work has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors and Football Writers Association of America. Kaufman grew up in beautiful downtown Burbank.

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